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Unbrakeable

I had an Audi A3 2.0 TDI Sport on a company car scheme through Leaseplan. At the end of 3 problem-free years, it was available to buy for what seemed a very reasonable price considering it had only done 15,500 miles. Consequently my sister, a struggling single mum, bought it with a view to keeping it for years as a very reliable car. Unfortunately, 2 months after purchase, the brake warning light came on. It has now been into an Audi Dealer who reports the ABS Control Unit has failed (code G201). This will cost around £900 + VAT + labour to repair. The Audi Dealer has stated that because it wasn't serviced at an Audi dealer, Audi is not prepared to offer any "goodwill" payment to help, even though it was only 2 months out of warranty and 17,000 miles at the time. This seems very unfair. Leaseplan chose where it was serviced. They have assured me that the garage was fully approved by them, only fits Audi parts, and it would be illegal for Audi not to honour the warranty under this arrangement. To make matters worse, Internet investigation reveals that the failure of this part, just out of warranty, is a very common problem in VAG group cars. It does appear that the part is faulty. What would you advise?

Asked on 12 December 2009 by

Answered by Honest John
Ah, that's the standard problem affecting all other VAG derivatives fitted with Teves Mk 60 ABS modules. The failure is time related. Though not changing brake fluid every 2 years may have affected it. First time I've heard of it on the A3, because it's usually fixed no problem. VW offers some goodwill towards these claims but only seems to pay 100% on Tourans that have been fully VW serviced.
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